Funny tourist attractions in Zakopane: what highland surprises hide

Funny tourist attractions in Zakopane: what highland surprises hide

June 11, 2025

Zakopane, the pearl of the Polish Tatra Mountains, is not only picturesque mountain trails and traditional oscypek. It is also a place where unusual surprises and fun attractions await you at every turn, which will amuse both small and big tourists. In the heart of the mountain capital you will discover a world that stands on its head - literally and figuratively! Get ready for a journey full of laughter, wonder and joy that will make your Zakopane vacation unforgettable. From illusion parks to upside-down houses to a world full of furry surprises, Zakopane has plenty of attractions in store to make your family trips full of smiles and fun. We invite you to discover these unusual places, where highlander humor mixes with creativity, creating attractions you won't find anywhere else!

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World of illusions and optical tricks

The first stop on our tour full of laughter and wonder is the ILLUSION PARK ZAKOPANE, located in the heart of the city at 12 Krupówki Street. This is a place where reality mixes with fantasy, and the laws of physics don't seem to apply. The park is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore all its corners. Ticket prices range from 25 to 35 zloty, depending on age and day of the week (as of 2024).

Right from the threshold, ILUZJA PARK ZAKOPANE welcomes you with a world full of colors, curved mirrors and interactive exhibits. It's a paradise for selfie and family photography enthusiasts - every corner of the park is a potential backdrop for a fun photo. Children will be thrilled to 'walk on the ceiling' or 'levitate', while adults will discover with amusement how easy it is to trick your own brain.

One of the park's biggest attractions is the 'Power of Electricity' show, where you'll see how electricity creates music. It's not only fun, but also educational - each exhibit is accompanied by an interesting description that explains the principles of physics and optics in an accessible way.

For those who want even more excitement, we recommend a visit to Illusion House, located in DH GRANIT on Tadeusza Kosciuszko 3 St. It's a place where you can spend up to 2-3 hours playing in the mirror maze and upside-down room. Ticket prices are similar to those at ILUZJA PARK, and the attraction is available all year round.

Remember that both ILUZJA PARK and Illusion House are especially popular during the holiday season and on weekends. It's a good idea to plan your visit during the week or in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the attractions. For families with young children, we recommend bringing water and snacks - the fun can be exhausting!

At the end of a day full of optical tricks, visit a nearby cafe on Krupówki, where, over hot chocolate and mountain cookies, you will be able to share your impressions and look at the photos you took. This is the perfect time to plan another fun-filled day in Zakopane!

Upside-down world and miniature kingdom

Continuing our journey through the land of Zakopane surprises, we can't miss one of the most distinctive attractions - the Upside Down House. It is located on Aleje 3-go Maja and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost about 23 zlotys for adults and 17 zlotys for children (2024 prices), making it an affordable attraction for the whole family.

The Upside Down House is not just a fun facade - it's the entire interior decorated with attention to detail, but put on its head! Stepping inside, you will feel as if you have entered a fairy tale world. Furniture, household appliances and even plants - everything hangs above your heads. This is a great opportunity to take unusual photos that are sure to bring a smile to the faces of your friends.

It is worth remembering that being in the Upside Down House may cause slight dizziness, especially for those sensitive to imbalance. For safety, it is advisable to hold on to the handrails and watch out for children, who may be disoriented by the unusual surroundings. The average tour time is about 15-20 minutes, but some people spend up to an hour here, playing around looking for the funniest shots for photos.

After leaving the upside-down world, it's time for a slightly smaller scale, but equally fascinating attraction - MYSZOGRÓD ZAKOPANE. This unique exhibition is located at Krupówki 81/B and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from 15 to 25 zlotys, depending on age (as of 2024).

MYSZOGRÓD is a place where young and old can immerse themselves in the world of miniature mice, living in fabulously decorated terrariums. Each terrarium is a separate setting - from a mountain village to a modern city. Children will be delighted to observe the little rodents in their daily activities, and parents will appreciate the creativity and attention to detail in each exhibit.

The educational aspect of MYSZOGROD is worth noting. This is a great opportunity to talk to children about animal life, their needs and responsibility for pets. The exhibition is safe and hygienic, and the mice are under constant veterinary care.

For those who want more attractions for children after a visit to MYSZOGROD, we recommend a visit to Harnasia Park, located at Krupówki 14a. It's a sprawling indoor playground, perfect for rainy days or when you need a break from mountain hiking. The park offers plenty of attractions for children of all ages, from small slides for toddlers to complex obstacle courses for older children.

Remember that both the Upside Down House, MYSZOGRÓD and Harnasia Park are located in the center of Zakopane, in close proximity to each other. You can easily combine these attractions into one day full of excitement, interspersed with breaks for traditional highland delicacies at nearby restaurants. This is the perfect way to spend a day in Zakopane, especially when the weather is not conducive to mountain hiking!

Future plans and practical tips

Finishing our tour of Zakopane's fun attractions, it's worth mentioning a few practical tips to help you fully enjoy these remarkable places.

First, remember to wear comfortable footwear. Although most of the described attractions are located in the city center, walking around Krupówki and the surrounding streets can be tiring, especially for the youngest. Comfortable shoes are the basis for a successful day full of excitement.

Secondly, it's a good idea to plan your sightseeing itinerary. All of the attractions described - ILUZJA PARK ZAKOPANE, Illusion House, Upside Down House, MYSZOGRÓD ZAKOPANE and Harnasia Park - are in close proximity to each other. You can easily walk from one to the other, taking breaks to eat or relax in one of Zakopane's many parks.

If you plan a longer stay in Zakopane, consider buying a tourist card, which often offers discounts to many attractions. You can get information about such cards at tourist information centers, which you can find in Krupówki.

Also keep in mind the weather. Zakopane is famous for its capricious weather, so it's a good idea to have a plan B in case of rain. Fortunately, all of the attractions described are indoor facilities, so they are a great alternative to mountain hiking in bad weather.

For families with small children, an important note - most of the described places are suitable for baby strollers, but it is worth confirming this before your visit by calling the attractions directly.

Finally, we encourage you to explore Zakopane off the beaten track. In addition to the described attractions, the city hides many other surprises. It may be a chance encounter with a highlander band on Krupówki, or a picturesque sunset viewed from Gubałówka.

Zakopane attractions are constantly evolving, so keep an eye on local websites and social media to stay up-to-date. Who knows, maybe on your next visit you will discover brand new, even more amazing places?

Whether you're in Zakopane for the first time or returning regularly, the city always has something new to offer. The fun attractions we've described are just the tip of the iceberg - or rather, Giewont! - of possibilities offered by the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains.

We hope this guide will inspire you to explore the less obvious, but equally fascinating sides of Zakopane. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy your time together and create memories that will keep you laughing long after you return home. Have fun in the land of highland surprises!

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